Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, December 13, 2007


Board Members Present: Marido Huber, Floyd Child, Kevin Jenkins, Andrew Hedden, Joel Rainville, Robert Vose
Board Members Absent: Tom Cassidy, Tamir Nolley, Joan Higinbotham
Ex-Officio Present: Lance Leupold, Edie French, John Harrison
Others Present: Pamela Colby, John Akre, Martin Hallanger, Jim Derks


Huber called the committee of a whole to meet at 5:31 p.m.
Huber called the meeting to order at 5:46 p.m. when quorum was achieved.


I. Opening Business

A. Comments from public, staff and board – Martin Hallanger spoke to complain about several mistakes on the web site, and asked that board meeting cancellations to be listed there. He also asked for a meeting with the Grievance Committee. Colby said that a Grievance must be submitted in writing.

The following two items were approved after quorum was achieved.
B. Approval of the agenda. MSP. Rainville, Child

C. Approval of Minutes from the November board meeting. MSP Child, Rainville.


II. Reports

A. City of Minneapolis – John Harrison presented
Two MTN board vacancies have been posted. Higinbotham's second term is over. This is a mayoral appointment. The city has received a request of $6,000 for PEG services from the School Board. The city will pay it from the General Fund but considers it a one-time payment. A complaint about offensive language was received about an MTN program. That program was moved to a late night only time slot. Harrison, Dietrich, Colby and Huber met to speak on a number of issues. MTN will be giving a Performance Report in February to the city council. MTN's budget number for this year is $700,000. The November 2007 Comcast number was 75,637 residential customers. Huber is happy with the new City Communications Director and pleased with the level of communication with MTN.

B. Minneapolis Public Schools –Edie French presented
French said she had the same report as last month.

C. Comcast – Lance Leupold presented
On Tuesday, Comcast will have a groundbreaking ceremony. They are remodeling the 801 Plymouth Building as a technical training center for employees.

At this point, quorum was achieved.

D. Executive Director's Report. Pam Colby presented
MTN's Operating Funds were restored by the Ways and Means Committee with a directive to give a work plan report to Council in February.
The MTN long range planning commission met in October and November. The November meeting featured a panel of experts speaking about what MTN can expect in the future, challenges and opportunities.
Colby testified at the Al Flowers vs. Council Members Samuels and Ostrow trial. The judge ruled that the speech was protected and the jury awarded Flowers $3 in damages. The city had to pay his attorney fees.
MTN is transferring its data to a new database. There may be a few inconveniences for members during the transfer.
The South High Voices program is going strong this year with 74 students. A new funding partner for this program is being sought.
The MTN Express Studio should be up by the end of next week. It will allow users to make a studio show easily without a crew.
Huber answered her own question from the last Board meeting, pointing out that the Performance Agreement with the city is the same as the Contract.

E. Treasurer's Report. Hedden presented.
For October, MTN had net $15,000 income, which reduced by half the projected year end deficit.
The 2008 budget was handed out. Colby said that 2008 will be a year to realign to earn more income. Colby will be hiring a part-time Development Director/Executive Secretary and a contractor to redesign the web site. Beyond that, it is a similar budget to 2007. Vose suggested the document be called "Budget," not "Operating Budget." Colby will make that correction. Child asked if the budget number was firm. Harrison said that the budget was passed by Council. Motion to accept the October P& L documents and adopt the 2008 MTN Budget. MSP Child, Jenkins.

Child asked that the agenda for the January meeting include "Election of Officers and Assignment of Committees." French and Leupold wished the board a good holiday season.

III. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m. MSP Child, Jenkins